Overall purpose:
Research Programme
The Reprogramming and Chromatin group led by Prof Petra Hajkova investigates molecular processes that underlie global erasure of epigenetic information. As in vitro cellular reprogramming systems are notoriously inefficient and heterogeneous in outcome, we focus on the epigenetic reprogramming events that occur naturally in vivo during mouse development (in the mouse zygote and in the developing mouse germ cells) (). We have a particular interest in deciphering the mechanisms underlying the waves of global DNA demethylation (Amouroux et al, 2016, Hill et al, Nature 2018; Huang et al, Nature 2021) and the changes in chromatin structure that accompanies this process.
Purpose of Post
The focus of this project is to investigate molecular mechanisms underpinning zygotic and germline DNA demethylation, the mechanistic links to DNA repair and the functional relationship to the progression through the germline cycle.
The ideal candidate will be expected to carry out research within the focus area of the Reprogramming and Chromatin Group; undertake project management and be involved in the supervision of PhD students in the laboratory. In addition, he/she will be expected to submit publications to refereed journals and to attract external research funding.
Main duties / key responsibilities:
1. To take initiatives in the planning of research
2. To direct the work of small research teams
3. To identify and develop suitable techniques, and apparatus, for the collection and analysis of data
4. To conduct data analysis
5. To ensure the validity and reliability of data at all times
6. To maintain accurate and complete records of all findings
7. To write reports for submission to research sponsors
8. To present findings to colleagues and at conferences
9. To submit publications to refereed journals
10. To provide guidance to staff and students
11. To attend relevant workshops and conferences as necessary
12. To develop contacts and research collaborations within the College and the wider community
13. To promote the reputation of the Group, the Department and the Institute
14. To provide guidance to PhD Students
15. Contribute to bids for research grants
16. To conduct and plan own scientific work with appropriate supervision
17. To maintain highly organised and accurate record of experimental work
18. To actively participate in the research programme of the Group and Unit
19. To publish in high quality journals and to present data at national and international meetings
20. To participate in Group/Unit research meetings and internal seminars
21. Willingness to work out of normal working hours (including weekends) if the requirements of the project demand
22. To collaborate with other allied scientists within Institute and elsewhere in London and abroad, as appropriate
23. To contribute to the smooth running of the Group’s/Unit’s laboratories and, facilities with other scientists, clinicians, technicians and students within the laboratories
24. To assist in the supervision of undergraduate and postgraduate research students and research assistants as required
25. To comply with the Institute safety practices and to attend courses on safety when appropriate
26. Any other duties as may be deemed reasonable by Head of group
Working relationships:
The post-holder will report directly to the head of the group, Professor Petra Hajkova.
Additional information:
This post is an MRC Postdoctoral Scientist to support post-doctoral training and help establish successful research scientists in their chosen field. During the fellowship tenure we are committed to provide mentorship for career development and improvement of communication skills.
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Education / Qualifications / Training required (will be assessed from the application):
Essential:
27. PhD degree (or equivalent experience) in a biological or related discipline
Desirable:
28. UK Home Office personal licence (PIL) for work with rodents
Previous work experience required (will be assessed from the application and at the interview):
Essential:
29. Proven experience in the field of epigenetics and chromatin
30. Experience with isolation, manipulation and culture of mouse oocytes and early mouse preimplantation embryos
31. Extensive experience with cell lines and mouse primary cell culture techniques
32. Experience with culture of mouse pluripotent stem cells
33. Knowledge of relevant biochemical and molecular biology research methods and statistical procedures
34. Good written communication skills in English
Desirable:
35. Experience with derivation of mouse embryonic stem cells
36. Experience with NGS approaches to investigate epigenome
Personal skills / Behaviours / Qualities (will be assessed at the interview):
Essential:
37. Evidence of organisational ability
38. Good verbal communication skills in English and the ability to work effectively with researchers ranging from postgraduate students to professorial level
39. Ability to work both independently and as part of a team
40. IT literate and familiar with basic methods for sequence and image analysis
Desirable:
41. A highly committed individual with proactive and flexible attitude to work
42. The ability and willingness to learn new concepts and technologies rapidly
43. The ability to work under pressure in the competitive field
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